Game Thread: San Antonio Spurs vs Orlando Magic

04/01/2025 07:30 PM

The Spurs look to avoid a season-long losing streak on April 1

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The Spurs were supposed to be resting on April 1, but the league scheduling the makeup game against the Lakers on March 17 moved the Magic game to today. April Fool's day is usually the time for jokes, but the Spurs got theirs out of the way a couple of days early in Sunday night's blowout loss to the Warriors where Brandin Podziemski, of all players, blew up the Spurs defense and played like a superstar.

The Spurs longest losing streak of the season is only four games, but that's about to be eclipsed by a hungry Magic team led by Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. They're coming off a 87-96 rockfight loss to the Clippers last night, and they probably should score more tonight. The Spurs defense just gave up 148 points a few days ago to the Warriors, so they might not be able to hold the Magic under 100 tonight. The Magic has already locked in a play-in spot, and are battling with Atlanta for 7th place and a guaranteed home play-in game. Nobody for the Spurs played well against the Warriors, and the starters were all bad, even Castle, who was held to single digits in scoring with 9 for the game. The bench was better, but it's hard to trust stats from guys who are out there when their team is down by 30+ and the other team is cruising. Still, you've got to appreciate Keldon Johnson, who always brings the effort.

Tonight's game is one of the last chances for players to make their case for playing time next year. Time may be running out for Malaki Branham, who has not looked impressive lately in limited minutes. Blake Wesley has had some good plays, but also some tough miscues, and it's good that he's getting playing time to work through that. Everybody loves Mamukelashvili, and he's making a case for returning next year by his improved play lately. There's less than two weeks left in the season, so let's watch until they turn off the lights.

Game Prediction:

The Spurs will announce a trade of Sandro Mamukelashvili straight up for Kevin Durant at halftime. The NBA will grant a special one-time salary cap exception to make the financials work out. James Jones, the Phoenix GM, explains, "We just couldn't pass up the opportunity to sign the only player who has scored 34 points while playing less than 20 minutes in league history. I sure hope we can sign him to a long term contract."

One final word:

GO SPURS GOOOO!!!

San Antonio Spurs vs Orlando Magic
April 1, 2025 | 7:00 PM CT
Streaming: NBA League Pass
TV: FanDuel Sports Network Southwest

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